Fluid transfer Apparatus and related methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a fluid transfer apparatus for sucking liquid from a container and transferring to another container or target. The fluid transfer apparatus comprising a squeeze bulb, the squeeze bulb having a first opening and an opposite second opening. A first check valve coupled to the first opening and a second check valve coupled to the second opening, wherein the first check valve and the second check valve together are configured to control the direction of fluid flow in one direction i.e. the liquid can enter from first check valve leaves from the second check valve. A transfer tube is fluidly coupled to the first check valve and a dispensing tube is coupled to the second check valve. The squeeze bulb is configured to suck liquid from a container through the transfer tube, wherein the liquid collects in the squeeze bulb and the dispensing tube. The other end of the dispensing tube is closed by a nipple, the nipple having a hole.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid transfer apparatus, and more particularly, to an apparatus for sucking fluid from a container for transferring to a target.

BACKGROUND

Laundry is one of the requisite daily chores of a person. According to an article written by thespruce.com, the average family in the United States of America does close to ten loads of laundry a week. The laundry detergent is an indispensable part of laundry and various formulation of the laundry detergent is available commercially. Liquid laundry detergents are quite popular because of their one or more advantages. The advantages of liquid laundry detergents include completely dissolving in liquid and the detergent does not accumulate on woolen fibers. Despite, the liquid detergents having an edge over powder-based detergents, the liquid detergents are difficult to dispense. Measuring the correct amount of liquid detergents is often difficult and leads to using an excess amount of liquid detergents. The use of an excessive amount of liquid laundry detergents is not only an economical shortcoming but also wastage of resources. Also using more than the recommended amount of detergent does not increase the cleaning efficiency but may lead to stains on clothes.

Liquid measuring cups are commercially available to measure the recommended amount of liquid detergents. Also, the caps of the containers containing the liquid detergents can be configured with a measuring scale. However, measuring a liquid with the available measuring cups is often difficult. Particularly, pouring the liquid detergent into the measuring cap can be difficult and may lead to spillage of the liquid detergent. Thus, the user may end up adding an excessive amount of the liquid detergent.

Therefore, a need is appreciated for a fluid transfer apparatus that allows drawing liquid from a container and transferring it to another container or target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principal objective of the present invention is therefore directed to a fluid transfer apparatus that is devoid of the above drawbacks.

It is an additional objective of the present invention that the liquid can be easily drawn from a container without lifting and tilting the container.

It is a further objective of the present invention that the liquid can be drawn in a controlled manner.

It is another objective of the present invention that the excess liquid can be easily put back into the container.

It is still another objective of the present invention that any spillage of liquid from an accidentally dropped container is avoided.

Yet another objective of the present invention is that the fluid transfer apparatus is economical to manufacture and easy to use.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a fluid transfer apparatus for sucking liquid from a container and transferring the liquid into another container or to a target. The fluid transfer apparatus comprising a squeeze bulb, the squeeze bulb having a first opening and an opposite second opening. A first check valve coupled to the first opening and a second check valve coupled to the second opening, wherein the first check valve and the second check valve together are configured to control the direction of fluid flow in one direction i.e. the liquid can enter from first check valve leaves from the second check valve. A transfer tube is fluidly coupled to the first check valve and a dispensing tube coupled to the second check valve. The squeeze bulb is configured to suck liquid from a container through the transfer tube, wherein the liquid collects in the squeeze bulb and the dispensing tube. The other end of the dispensing tube is closed by a nipple, the nipple having a central aperture.

In one aspect, the fluid transfer apparatus further comprises a cap, the cap for closing the mouth of a container. The cap having a first aperture that is sized to snuggly receive the transfer tube. The cap is further having a second aperture configured with a third check valve, wherein the third check valve is configured to permit air to enter the container.

These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments herein will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid transfer apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a nipple, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cap coupled to the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the cap of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the fluid transfer apparatus of FIG. 1 mounted into a container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

The present invention is directed to a novel fluid transfer apparatus for transferring fluid from a container to a target. Shown in FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the fluid transfer apparatus 100 comprising a squeeze bulb 105. The squeeze bulb 105 is having an elongated resilient construction, one terminal of which is domed-shaped and provided with a first opening 110. The opposite terminal of the squeeze bulb 105 is shaped similarly to the first terminal and provided with a second opening 115. The squeeze bulb 105 with the first opening 110 and the second opening 115 defines a fluid chamber. A first check valve 120 is sealably coupled to the first opening 110 and a second check valve 125 is sealably coupled to the second opening 115. The first check valve 120 and the second check valve 125 are one-way valves and together are configured to regulate the flow of fluid in one direction. Further shown in FIG. 1 is a transfer tube 130 mechanically and fluidly coupled to the first check valve 120. Alternatively, the transfer tube 130 can be mechanically coupled to the squeeze bulb 105 and fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber through the first check valve 120. The transfer tube 130 is having a proximal end, distal end, and a lumen. The transfer tube 130 is coupled to the first check valve 120 at the proximal end while the distal end of the transfer tube is open. The lumen of the transfer tube with the proximal end and the distal end defines a first fluid passageway. The fluid transfer apparatus further comprises a dispensing tube 135 fluidly and mechanically coupled to the second check valve 125. Alternatively, the dispensing tube may be mechanically coupled to the squeeze bulb 105 and fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber through the second check valve 125. The dispensing tube is having a first end, a second end and a lumen, wherein the dispensing tube is coupled to the squeeze bulb 105 at the first end, and the second end is open. The first end, the second end and the lumen of the dispensing tube 135 define a second fluid passageway. The open end of the dispensing tube is mechanically coupled to a nipple 140.

The squeeze bulb 105 can be collapsed under applied finger pressure, wherein the volume of fluid evacuates the fluid chamber under the applied pressure. When the applied finger pressure is released, the squeeze bulb 105 starts to expand radially outward and returns to its original relaxed shape, resulting in the generation of air pressure within the fluid chamber that is lower than the external ambient air pressure. The low air pressure, consequently, draws a volume of fluid into the fluid chamber. The walls of the squeeze bulb can be made of any resilient material known to a skilled person used in the manufacturing of resilient bulbs. For example, rubber is known to have good resilient properties and can be used in the manufacture of the squeeze bulb of the present invention. Alternatively, resilient plastic material can also be used. In one case, the walls of the squeeze bulb 105 can be transparent allowing a person to view the content of the fluid chamber. In another case, a transparent window can be provided to view inside the squeeze bulb 105. Also, the walls of the squeeze bulb 105 can be reinforced with lateral ribs that also enhance gripping of the squeeze bulb 105.

The check valves 120 and 125 are one-way valves that allow a flow of fluid through it in only one direction. The fluid herein refers to both liquid and gases (air). A check valve generally has two ports, one for fluid to enter and the other for fluid to leave. The two check valves 120 and 125 are coupled to the squeeze bulb 105 such that fluid can enter through the first check valve 120 and leaves the second check valve 125 i.e. the fluid can enter the squeeze bulb 105 through the first opening 110 and leaves the fluid through the second opening 115. Construction and working of the check valves are obvious to a skilled person for controlling the flow of fluid in one direction.

The transfer tube 130 can be of an elongated tubular construction that can be used to draw liquid from a container. The distal end of the transfer tube 130 can be placed in the liquid for drawing the liquid. The length of the transfer tube 130 can be according to the size of a container, such that the distal end of the transfer tube can reach the bottom of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the transfer tube can be flexible, but rigid enough for inserting into the container without folding or creasing. To the opposite end of the squeeze bulb 105 is coupled the dispensing tube 135. The dispensing tube 135 retains liquid entered from the squeeze bulb 105. The other end of the dispensing tube 135 can be open to allow the dispensing of the liquid. However, to prevent the dribbling of the liquid contained in the dispensing tube 135, the open end of the dispensing tube can be closed by a nipple 140. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the nipple 140 having a central aperture 145. The nipple 140 can be made of silicone, rubber or any other plastic material, and could have coupling mechanisms, such as Snap-On, threads, etc. to fixedly or removably coupled to the dispensing tube 135. The dispensing tube can be manufactured in various sizes to retain the intended volume of liquid to be retained. For example, the dispensing tube can be manufactured in sizes of 5 ml, 10 ml, and 20 ml.

The fluid transfer apparatus 100 further comprises a cap for closing the mouth of a container. An exemplary embodiment of the cap is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the cap 150 and FIG. 4 shows a cut-out view of the cap 150. The cap 150 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is having an aperture 155 for receiving the transfer tube 130. The size of the aperture is such as to snugly receive the transfer tube 130. To snugly receive the transfer tube 130, the wall of the aperture 155 can be configured with a soft material, such as rubber. In one case, an O-ring 158 can be configured around the aperture 155 to snugly receive the transfer tube 130. Furthermore, the cap 150 is having a second aperture configured with a third check valve 160. The check valve 160 is a one-way valve which permits air to enter the container. This prevents any low-pressure build-up in the container on withdrawing the liquid by the fluid transfer apparatus 100. Any original cap of a container can be replaced with the cap 150 of the present invention. Thus, the cap 150 can be manufacture for containers of different sizes. The cap 150 shown in FIG. 4 is having threads to couple to the threaded mouth of the container.

FIG. 5 shows the fluid transfer apparatus 100 mounted in a container 165. The cap 150 is coupled to the neck of the mouth of the container 165. The container 165 retains a liquid, such as but not limited to, liquid detergent. The distal end of the transfer tube can be inserted through the aperture 155 of the cap 150 and placed into the liquid retained in the container 165. Once the distal end of the transfer tube 130 is placed into the liquid, the user can grip the squeeze bulb 105 between the finger. Thereafter, fingers can be pressed against the walls of the squeeze bulb to apply pressure to the squeeze bulb 105, causing the squeeze bulb 105 to collapse, resulting in the air inside the fluid chamber of the squeeze bulb 105 to evacuate through the second check valve 125. Thereafter, the applied finger pressure can be released, resulting in low pressure inside the fluid chamber which causes the first valve 120 to open. The low pressure created in the squeeze bulb 105 sucks the liquid through the transfer tube 130 into the fluid chamber of the squeeze bulb 105. When the squeeze bulb retains its original form, resulting in equalization of the pressure inside and outside the squeeze bulb 105, the first check valve 120 closes. Now again applying the pressure to the squeeze bulb 105 causes the second check valve 125 to open, resulting in the flow of liquid from the fluid chamber into the dispensing tube. On releasing the applied pressure to the squeeze bulb 105, the vacuum created in the fluid chamber opens the first check valve 120, and further, the liquid is sucked into the fluid chamber. The above steps can be repeated until the desired amount of liquid is drawn from the container 165. When the desired volume of liquid is drawn from the container 165, the transfer tube 130 is removed from the container. The liquid contained in the dispensing tube 135 can then be dispensed into another container, such as a bucket or a washing machine. Or the liquid can be dispensed to any target, to which the liquid has to be applied. Any remaining amount of liquid in the squeeze bulb 105 can be dispended by applying finger pressure to the squeeze bulb, resulting in dispensing of the liquid from the fluid chamber of the squeeze bulb 105 into the dispensing tube 135. While, the remaining liquid leaves from the squeeze bulb 105, on releasing the finger pressure, air enters from the transfer tube 130 into the squeeze bulb 105 to replace the liquid.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid transfer apparatus comprising: a squeeze bulb having a first opening and a second opening; a first check valve fluidly coupled to the first opening; a second check valve fluidly coupled to the second opening, wherein the first check valve and the second check valve are configured to permit fluid to enter the first opening and leave the second opening; a transfer tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is in fluidly coupled to the first check valve, the distal end is open; and a dispensing tube having a first end and a second end, the first end fluidly coupled to the second check valve, the second end is open.
 2. The fluid transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid transfer apparatus further comprises a nipple, the nipple configured to couple to the distal end of the dispensing tube, the nipple having a central aperture.
 3. The fluid transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid transfer apparatus further comprises a cap, the cap configured to couple to a mouth of a container, the cap having an aperture for snugly receiving the distal end of the transfer tube.
 4. The fluid transfer apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cap further comprises a second aperture, the second aperture sealably configured with a third check valve, the third check valve permits air to enter the container.
 5. The fluid transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transfer tube is of an elongated tubular construction and made of flexible material.
 6. The fluid transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dispensing tube can be of a predetermined size and made of rigid material.
 7. The fluid transfer apparatus of claim 6, wherein the predetermined size ranges from 5 to 10 ml.
 8. The fluid transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the squeeze bulb is having transparent walls.
 9. The fluid transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the squeeze bulb is having a transparent window.
 10. The fluid transfer apparatus of claim 3, wherein the fluid transfer apparatus further comprises an O-ring, the O-ring configured around the aperture of the cap for snugly receiving the transfer tube.
 11. A method of transferring liquid from a container to a target, the method comprising: providing a fluid transfer apparatus, the fluid transfer apparatus comprising: a squeeze bulb having a first opening and a second opening, a first check valve fluidly coupled to the first opening, a second check valve fluidly coupled to the second opening, wherein the first check valve and the second check valve are configured to permit fluid to enter the first opening and leave the second opening, a transfer tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end fluidly coupled to the first check valve, the distal end is open, and a dispensing tube having a first end and a second end, the first end fluidly coupled to the second check valve, the second end is open; placing the distal end of the end tube into liquid, the liquid retained in a container; applying finger pressure to the squeeze bulb, resulting in collapse of the squeeze bulb; releasing the applied finger pressure from the squeeze bulb, resulting in drawing of the liquid from the container into the squeeze bulb; repeating the step of applying finger pressure to the squeeze bulb, resulting in collapse of the squeeze bulb and dispensing of the liquid from the squeeze bulb into the dispensing tube; and pouring the liquid from the dispensing tube to the target.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein liquid is liquid detergent, and the target is a bucket.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein liquid is liquid detergent, and the target is a washing machine.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid transfer apparatus further comprises a cap, the cap configured to close an opening of the container, the cap having a first aperture to receive the transfer tube.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the cap further comprises a second aperture, the second aperture configured with a third check valve, the third check valve allows air to enter the container.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid transfer apparatus further comprises a nipple, the nipple configured to couple to the second end of the dispensing tube.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the nipple is having a central aperture.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises a step of: removing the transfer tube from the container; and applying the finger pressure to the squeeze bulb, resulting in removal of any remaining liquid from the squeeze bulb into the dispensing tube.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising a step of: mounting the cap to the opening of the container; and inserting the distal end of the transfer tube into the container, through the first aperture.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the cap further comprises an O-ring, the O-ring configured around the first aperture to snugly receive the transfer tube. 